The environmental policy of United States president Donald Trump is by now clear — after all, for someone convinced that "global warming was created by and for the Chinese, to make US industry non-competitive" and who has decided on the withdrawal of the United States from the Paris Agreement, conservation of nature must be the last thing on his mind. Yesterday brought yet another confirmation of this trend: Trump decided to reduce the area of two national monuments in Utah by around 8,000 square kilometres, causing enormous damage to the environment, wildlife and local communities.

A record-breaking cut

Never in the history of the United States had such a reduction in protected land occurred. The two mutilated protected areas are the Bears Ears National Monument, established just a year ago by former president Barack Obama to "protect its cultural heritage and ensure that future generations have the opportunity to appreciate its landscapes and history", and the Grand Staircase. The two national monuments — protected areas that, unlike national parks, can be established by the president without requiring congressional approval — have been reduced by approximately 85 and 50 per cent respectively.

Fewer parks, more mines

What interest does Trump have in reducing two protected areas made up of magnificent canyons and jagged peaks, characterised by ancient archaeological sites and the presence of dinosaur tracks, rock paintings and ancient artefacts? The exploitation of mineral resources and hydrocarbons, clearly. Protected status had in fact prevented the establishment of new mines, something not at all to the liking of local Republicans. This is precisely the lever the US president pulled: "Some people think that Utah's natural resources should be controlled from a distance by a handful of bureaucrats in Washington. You know what? They're wrong," he declared.

Native peoples seek justice

The measure was met with anger and dismay by Utah's Native Americans, who consider the lands of Bears Ears National Monument sacred and rich in spiritual and symbolic value. Five tribes — Navajo, Hopi, Zuni Pueblo, Ute Mountain and Ute Indian — decided to file a lawsuit against the Trump administration. "It is a sad day for Indians," commented Jonathan Nez, vice president of the Navajo Nation. The Natural Resources Defense Council, the Center for Biological Diversity and the Sierra Club, with the support of numerous environmental organisations, also filed suit against the US president.